The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated a major electoral reform that could change the face of voting in Nigeria. In a surprising announcement on Wednesday, INEC revealed its plan to legalise voting without the use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during a stakeholders’ consultative forum held in Abuja. According to him, the commission is exploring alternative identification and verification systems, including the use of biometric authentication, National Identification Number (NIN), and the digital voter register.
“We are committed to ensuring no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised due to the non-possession or collection of PVCs. The future of voting is digital, inclusive, and secure,” Prof. Yakubu stated.
He assured that INEC is working closely with relevant agencies to integrate voter data and put in place robust security protocols to prevent electoral fraud.
The commission says it will forward the proposal to the National Assembly to amend relevant sections of the Electoral Act in order to accommodate the new system legally.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society organisations. While some view it as a bold and inclusive step, others have raised concerns about possible abuse and lack of preparedness for such a significant shift.
If passed into law, this move would mark the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history that voting would be allowed without a physical PVC, setting the stage for a potentially transformative electoral experience in 2027.
– MADMO News
